On 27th April 2022, the House of Lords debated amendments to the Nationality and Borders Bill. A vote was held on an amendment, in which two Bishops took part.
The Bishop of Manchester and the Bishop of St Albans voted on the following amendment to the bill, proposed by Baroness Chakrabarti to address concerns regarding the Refugee Convention:
“…at end to insert “and do propose Amendment 5F in lieu—
5F Insert the following new Clause—
“Interpretation of Part 2
(1) So far as it is possible to do so, the provisions of this Part must be read and given effect in a way which is compatible with the Refugee Convention.
(2) If a court or tribunal determining a question which has arisen in connection with the provisions of this Part cannot read and give effect to those provisions in a way which is compatible with the Refugee Convention, it must make a declaration to that effect.
(3) Where a court or tribunal is considering whether to make a declaration of incompatibility, the Secretary of State is entitled to notice in accordance with rules of the court or tribunal.
(4) In any case to which subsection (3) applies the Secretary of State is entitled, on giving notice in accordance with rules of the court or tribunal, to be joined as a party to the proceedings.
(5) Notice under subsection (4) may be given at any time during the proceedings.””
The amendment was disagreed. Content: 151 / Not Content: 212
The Bishop of Manchester and the Bishop of St Albans voted Content.
The Church of England in Parliament 
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